YLAD Living Soils realise that the need to take action to save the environment has never been more critical than it is now, however widespread uncertainty about what should be done is impeding progress on the issue.
Over the past eight years YLAD Living Soils have worked to educate land owners on how to regenerate tired, lifeless soils and improve soil health with composts and biological fertilisers, with the ultimate goal being to put life back into the land.
Recently, over ninety industry leaders were invited by Outcomes Australia to attend a weekend at the ANU Campus at Kioloa to develop a blue print for The Land Restoration Imperative, under the Chairmanship of Major General Michael Jeffery, former Governor General of Australia.
The regeneration challenge is vital for the future of all Australians from an economic, environmental and social perspective. The goals of the Land Restoration Imperative are:
- maximum moisture retention
- balanced soil biology
- resilient pastures
- healthy animals
- mineral-dense food
- engagement with the urban community
- adaptation to climate variability.
A well coordinated dialogue saw industry leaders including bureaucrats, social academics, scientists, farmers and agricultural consultants discuss, initiate and promote issues ranging over a broad range of topics including soil, water, animal husbandry, vegetation, rural employment, human nutrition, and climate change.
Rhonda Daly of YLAD Living Soils contributed her wealth of knowledge and experience to the dialogue on soil health and fertility, saying that she was honored to have been included in this landmark event which sees many land owners changing to a healthier, more sustainable system.
General Jeffery encouraged his agricultural troops by saying that Australia can lead the way in demonstrating to the rest of the world that degraded landscapes can be rejuvenated. He hopes that within a decade, a third of Australia’s farmers will have dramatically reduced the use of artificial fertilisers, significantly boosted vegetation species, substantially reduced or ceased irrigation and adopted a more holistic, natural approach to farm management.